Hwang Conquers the LOTTE Championship: First LPGA Title with Epic Comeback

Youmin Hwang Claims Victory at the LOTTE Championship

In an exciting day of golf, Youmin Hwang conquered her first title in an LPGA Tour event, taking the LOTTE Championship on Saturday. The Korean golfer, invited by a sponsor, starred in a spectacular comeback in the final stretch of the tournament, breaking the streak of 25 tournaments without a repeat winner in the season. Hwang, with an impressive streak of birdies in the last holes, finished with a score of 67 strokes (-5) at the Hoakalei Country Club, surpassing Hyo Joo Kim by one stroke.

“Thanks to LOTTE’s support, I was able to be here and win,” Hwang declared.

Youmin Hwang

The 22-year-old young golfer has the option of accepting immediate membership in the LPGA Tour or postponing it until next season. This triumph represents her sixth participation in an LPGA event and the fourth of the season, after making the cut in important tournaments such as the U.S. Women’s Open, the KPMG Women’s PGA, and the Evian Championship. Hwang, who shared the lead with Kim and Minami Katsu after a birdie on the 17th hole, took advantage of a misstep by her competitors on the following hole. On the 18th hole, Hwang achieved an excellent approach that left her a foot from the hole. Hwang finished the tournament with a total of 271 strokes (-17). Her performance included an impressive round of 62 strokes on Thursday, establishing an initial three-stroke lead, although she then had a round of 75 on Friday that relegated her to second place, one stroke behind Akie Iwai. Kim finished with a birdie on the 18th hole, achieving a 68. Katsu placed third with -15, after a round of 69. Nelly Korda, world number two, closed with 69 strokes, finishing three strokes behind Hwang, along with Peiyun Chien (70), Jessica Porvasnik (70) and Iwai (71). Korda, who had a successful season with seven victories, has yet to win this year.

“Overall, I’m putting myself in a position to compete. It’s an interesting year in terms of results, but in the end, I’m giving 100 percent, controlling what I can control, and I’m happy with that,” Korda commented.

Nelly Korda

The LPGA Tour now moves to Asia, where tournaments will be held for five consecutive weeks in Shanghai, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.